Look for the Bright Side

The sky was filling with different rainbows when I took this picture, sometimes the color was strong, sometimes faint and you could see additional rainbows popping up, three or four at a time. They didn't last long but it was so neat to watch the sky and horizon change so quickly with color. I've been in a bit of a bummer mood lately so it was a great reminder that there are amazing things going on all around you, sometimes you just need to pay attention or look for them to notice it.

Series of Sunsets

Yesterday we had strange summer weather in Northern California, warm humid rain. It produced an amazing sunset with brightly lit clouds, creating a new canvas in the sky every minute along my two hour road trip home. I couldn't stop snapping pictures, I got a little carried away. But hey what's wrong with taking the time to notice the beauty around you? It was like a live show just for me. Here are some of my favorites...

Kelsey Creek Brewing

Kelsey Creek Brewing in Kelseyville, CA is a great stop for a hot day. We just happened to be driving through when it was 102 F. I tried the New Blonde on the Block...it was a little hoppy for me but I'll confess I'm not really a beer drinker, so I don't know what I'm talking about. I can tell you the the beer was ice cold and was great in the moment, so I thoroughly enjoyed it.

For me the real winner was the atmosphere, small town, casual, laid back. I loved it. The only food they serve is popcorn and peanuts but it works.  I believe you can bring your own food in as well. It's a great addition to Kelseyville where normally I wine taste. I will definitely stop back in on my next getaway to Lake County. 

We also stopped in at Main Street Bakery across the street looking for french bread. They were sold out which is a bummer because their french bread looks amazing and fresh baked french bread from a bakery is one of my favorite things on earth. We did grab some cookies, chocolate chip and snicker doodles along with a fresh baked zucchini bread. All of it was super tasty and I don't say that lightly...with the exception of french bread I rarely buy baked goods at a bakery. Nothing beats home made cookies in my opinion but I was spoiled by my loving Grandma who made the best cookies ever.

Create the Life You Want

Impeccability

Card of the day is Impeccability...be impeccable in all that you do.

                                  Soul Coaching Oracle Cards, Denise Linn, Hay House Inc.

Simple Strawberry Summer Salad

I love making salads, they’re refreshing, taste good and mostly good for you.  What could be better as we approach summer?  The secret to a good salad is a variety of textures along with complementary flavors, so have fun. When I’m tired or feeling lazy I don’t like to make salad dressing, so I try to focus on making the ingredients work well with a simple drizzle of oil and vinegar.  This sweet and savory salad comes together great and is super simple to make.

I’m not much into measurements when it comes to salad (baking yes).  I believe cooking is art; you just have to let it flow.  For salads you just have to adjust ingredients based on how much you like to eat, what you like to eat and how many you are serving.  I love my greens and when I make a personal salad I start with 1-2 cups of greens depending on how hungry I am and go from there. I’ve put rough estimates for an individual salad.

Simple Strawberry Salad

Ingredients

Organic Baby Greens, 1-2 cups

Sliced raw almonds, ¼ cup

Sliced strawberries, 1-2 large

Diced cucumber, 1 small

A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

A drizzle of balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction

A pinch of sea salt

Combine all ingredients, toss and serve.

Great additions to this salad

Diced Avocado…I have an avocado obsession and put it in everything

Goat Cheese

Spice it up…

Diced fresh Jalapeno

Chopped fresh cilantro

Change it up

The Strawberries can be replaced with raspberries, blackberries or blueberries or combination of berries. 

The almonds can be replaced with walnuts, pecans, cashews…really any nut you like.

Tomatoes!

The very first tomatoes and basil of the season! I'm so excited...let the cooking begin. Check out my bruschetta recipe from a previous post.

Road Trip

Heading off to Lake County in Northern California for a quick road trip. Swimming, sunning, spa treatment, wine and food...can't wait to report back on my adventure.

Flowering Carrots?

First time gardener mistake, letting fruits and vegetables grow for too long.  Over the weekend my carrots grew a foot and flowered. Pretty, but I think I was supposed to pick them before this. Clearly I'm still learning. I found this article by Lisa Green from the Examiner.com for future reference on when to harvest carrots, thanks Lisa!

Have you ever made a gardening mistake? Please feel free to share any tips to help others prevent future garden mishaps.